Kevin Downswell to lead nation in praise at Festival Song Finals

International recording gospel artiste, Minister Kevin Downswell, is set to bring his unique blend of music and ministry to the Jamaica Festival Song Competition finals and results show this evening, at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, Jamaica College in St Andrew, starting at 8:30 p.m.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, announced on Tuesday that Downswell, known for his powerful singles, such as You Make Me Stronger, If It’s Not You, and Carry Me, will be a special addition to the entertainment line-up. Downswell will lead a moment of praise and thanksgiving following the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3.

Downswell sees this as an opportunity to invoke the presence of the Almighty, emphasising that despite the damage and dislocation caused by the hurricane, there is still much to be grateful for.

“We have gone through something that could have been much worse. My heart goes out to my fellow Jamaicans who were impacted by the hurricane. I want to bring a spirit of gratitude and encourage people to find a way to give thanks, even if you are standing on the foundation of your house with no roof. I aim to fill the auditorium with an attitude of gratitude and praise to the Almighty. I will also use the opportunity to pray for those who have experienced damage and for a swift recovery,” said Downswell.

A $3-million cash prize awaits the winning entry of the 2024 Festival Song Competition. JCDC Executive Director Lenford Salmon notes that this year’s Festival song will hold added significance given the recent hardships caused by Hurricane Beryl.

“So many Jamaicans have been affected by Hurricane Beryl. The timing of this results show is perfect as it gives Jamaicans, both at home and abroad, the opportunity to give thanks and celebrate who we are as a people. The winning song for 2024 will now become part of the soundtrack for the year Hurricane Beryl swept through our island,” said Grange.

This year’s top ten songs are: Fi mi Island Home, by Sister Novelette; Jamaica is a Big Brand, by TrishMaq; #One Jamaica, by Kimiela ‘Candy’ Isaacs; Jamaica Jamaica by Trisstar; Proud Jamaican by Auraiya Hope; We are Jamaicans by Pepita; Jah Love this Land by Lex M.D; Waa Back Jamaica by Renzzah; Better Jamaica by Reggae Maxx, and Sweet Jamaica by Casey Donaldson.

Salmon is urging Jamaicans to come out in their numbers to demonstrate the pride and resilience of the Jamaican people. He emphasised that Saturday’s show, like all JCDC-organised independence events, is free to the public.

“The show will be staged in two segments. For openers, the contestants will perform a medley of popular festival songs from past years before returning to perform their entries. These performances, combined with Kevin Downswell’s ministry, great sound, lighting, and staging, will create a fantastic musical experience. It is a win-win situation for both the audience and the finalist who emerges victorious,” said Salmon.

He is also reminding the public to vote for their favourite entry using the assigned vote numbers or by downloading the Reggae Jamaica App. Public votes will contribute to 25 percent of the contestants’ final scores. The vote lines will close at noon on Saturday.

For those unable to attend in person, the results show will be broadcast live on Television Jamaica and the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica. The show will also be streamed on the JCDC’s website and YouTube page.